How do I use a curling iron in Guadeloupe?

Guadeloupe power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Guadeloupe:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Guadeloupe however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Guadeloupe power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Guadeloupe, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Guadeloupe otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Guadeloupe you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Guadeloupe check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Guadeloupe

Will my curling iron work in Guadeloupe?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Guadeloupe. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your curling iron in Guadeloupe. If not then you will need to consider using either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our section on will a voltage converter work with your domestic curling iron in Guadeloupe for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Guadeloupe power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Guadeloupe?

Power outlets in Guadeloupe are 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Guadeloupe?

The frequency used in a Guadeloupe power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Guadeloupe, these are type D, C and E with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - The plug outlet (technically known as a Europlug) is identified by the two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify the wall outlet by the 3 round holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify the wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes for live and neutral plus one metal earth pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 230 volt curling iron in Guadeloupe is a Type D power adapter, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Guadeloupe using a plug adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Plug adapters for Guadeloupe

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will support a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Guadeloupe then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Guadeloupe power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Guadeloupe power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Guadeloupe.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Guadeloupe or any other country.

Travelling to Guadeloupe with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Guadeloupe?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Guadeloupe as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Guadeloupe power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Guadeloupe. Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing or replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Guadeloupe could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [12] [AD]

Can curling irons go in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Guadeloupe will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Guadeloupe

Do I need a power converter to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Guadeloupe. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [9] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Guadeloupe, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt Guadeloupe power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe using a type C power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Guadeloupe using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Guadeloupe - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Guadeloupe doesn't take the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Guadeloupe simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Guadeloupe power outlet. This unearthed plug outlet (sometimes known as a Europlug) can be recognised by the 2 circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guadeloupe power outlet.
  6. The curling iron is now ready to be used in Guadeloupe. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe with a Type D power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Guadeloupe. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Guadeloupe by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type D plug adapter into the Guadeloupe power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the three round holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guadeloupe power outlet.
  6. The curling iron is now ready to be used in Guadeloupe. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Guadeloupe with a two prong Type E power charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not proceed because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Guadeloupe isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8]. The Type E plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Guadeloupe simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The recessed round power outlet, also known as the Type E power outlet [7] or CEE 7/7 plug, can be identified by the two large holes 19mm adjacent to each other and a long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guadeloupe power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Guadeloupe. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guadeloupe using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Guadeloupe
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  9. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.